by Leadership Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta
Here’s a question for you. What are three words that make managers want to run the other way? Open Door Policy.
The original intent of an “Open Door Policy” was to create a communication mechanism to ensure that employees would feel free to honestly discuss key issues without fear of retribution or, even worse, losing their jobs. In other words, not only would a leader’s door be open but, hopefully, so would their mind. However, over time that concept has expanded and become an excuse for some employees to also feel free to complain. About Read More

The Proof-Gathering Side of Leadership
In courtrooms, decisions are made based on actual proof. Hard evidence. Indisputable facts. The same principle should apply to leaders who determine the next career steps for their employees. The key word there is “should.”
Unfortunately, it often doesn’t happen that way.
I know that firsthand from my years of experience in HR. Leaders would show up to my office with an urgent request to fire a trouble-making employee, and I was more than happy to assist with that process. But when I asked for a copy of the file that documented the poor Read More

It Could Cost You Top Talent
by Leadership Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta
Throw out that statement and prepare for some serious pushback. I know because I’ve done it. And the response is…well, passionate. And a bit defensive.
“No way! I reward them and recognize them every chance I get! They’re my rock stars!”
“Are you kidding me? I worship my top performers! They carry the weight for the whole team!”
“I would NEVER do anything to undermine them! They always go above and beyond.”
Here’s the thing: Leaders wouldn’t intentionally penalize their top performers, but it might be Read More

Leadership: The Irony of Disruption
by Business Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta
Scan the pages of any business publication, and you’ll come away with the message that successful leaders are supposed to innovate. Disrupt. Push the envelope. Think outside the box. Break the rules.
Oh yes, disruption is very trendy right now.
Let’s dive into that. Businesses have played a bit of a semantics game with the word “disruption.” For most of our lives, disruption was something to be avoided because it led to discord, turmoil, and problems. Not a healthy environment in which to do work or Read More

Friends and Leaders: The Challenges of Changing Roles
By Leadership Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta
When workplace roles change, so do relationships. Which can make for some very interesting—and perhaps awkward—situations.
Consider the impact. Your best friend on the team gets promoted. Or you get promoted. In a single moment, there’s a clear shift. Instead of being grab-a-beer-after-work-to-complain-about-the-boss co-workers, now one of you IS the boss. Throwing a new sense of accountability into the mix quickly changes the dynamic.
Here’s the issue. When the line between Read More

Describing Leaders: In Charge? Or Influential?
by Leadership Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta
If you asked 20 people to describe the characteristics of a powerful leader today, you’d probably get 20 different answers.
So how can we effectively and concisely describe the essence of a successful leader in our current business environment—with the backdrop of global competition, splintering markets, and whiplash-inducing advances in technology?
One word: influence.
While great leaders years ago were often seen as being in charge, great leaders today are considered Read More

12 Insights from Someone Who’s Been There, Done That
By Motivational Business Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta
I recently spoke to a large audience made up mostly of millennials. And they had tons of questions about working with “older people”. And I realized ... hey, that’s me! I am always teaching people how to deal with the millennials, but I never teach them how to deal with us. So, in fun, here are a few good tips when working with the rest of us that just might come in handy. Whichever side of the generational fence you’re on – these will be good tips to take with you!
13 Top Read More

A Single Shift in Focus Can Dramatically Impact Results
By Leadership Expert, Keynote Speaker and Author Connie Podesta
What do we mean by engaged? Listens. Observes. Communicates. Offers ideas. And solutions. Appears happy most of the time. Enthusiastic. Works well with others. And likes their job. Most of the time me.
Is that all? No way. One, they are more fun and easier to work with. Two, they contribute big time to a company’s bottom line. And three, they keep the energy rolling and the workplace on fire. How cool is that?
Why are some employees engaged and others not? An Read More

START Making More Sales Book Connie Now for Your Next Sales Event
By Sales Strategist, Human Behavior Expert, and Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta
80% of my audiences? SALES. After more than 25 years working with top sales organizations and teams around the globe -- there isn't much I haven't seen or heard of in both success stories -- and EXCUSES for why money is left on the table. Here's what I know...
The top excuses for not making a deal? What salespeople say: Price. Product. Economy. Read More

It Stops You From Reaching Your Potential
By Sales Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta
Often, one of the first things I tell sales audiences is to QUIT defining sales the old way because when they think of sales in a “traditional” sense – they become fearful. The “I can’t do it” sets in. The phone becomes the enemy. The prospecting grinds to a halt.
Listen, we were all BORN to sell. Look at any given 2-year-old. They are masters at handling objections. They don’t take no for an answer. Their feelings aren’t hurt when they hit a stall. They do a needs assessment to figure out which Read More